French national guidelines
The 2011-2015 official French nutrition guidelines are publicly available (PNNS www.mangerbouger.fr).
The public has access to general information posters, leaflets and specialized booklets (pregnancy, senior nutrition etc.). The vegan diet is mentioned three times in 23 documents.
Meat, fish, eggs : once to twice a day is essential! page 7:
“Are you vegan? Be careful if you choose to eliminate all animal-derived foods: be aware that you risk suffering from deficiencies in some essential nutrients. This way of eating poses a long-term health risk and should be prohibited for children.”
Source: http://www.inpes.sante.fr/CFESBases/catalogue/pdf/1178.pdf
Adolescent nutrition guide, 5th edition 2009, France, page 11:
“What about veganism?
Vegans also exclude eggs and dairy products [compared with vegetarians] (i.e. all animal products). You must absolutely not follow this diet because you would become seriously deficient not only in protein but also in iron and calcium!”
Source: http://www.inpes.sante.fr/CFESBases/catalogue/pdf/747.pdf
Parents’ guide to nutrition for children and adolescents, 1st edition, 2004, France, page 104:
“Veganism: a harmful diet
Vegans exclude from their plate anything that isn’t part of the plant kingdom: not only meat, fish and seafood but also eggs and dairy products.
This type of diet is harmful for adolescents because it exposes them to serious deficiencies in iron and vitamin B12 and puts them at serious risk of insufficient protein and calcium.”
Source: http://www.inpes.sante.fr/CFESBases/catalogue/pdf/688.pdf
From the official website page:
“If you're vegan?
You eliminate all foods of animal origin from your diet: not only meat products and fish but also eggs and dairy products. Be aware that this type of diet makes it very difficult to meet the requirements for essential amino acids, iron, calcium and some vitamins. Following a vegan diet long term puts health at risk, especially that of children.”
Source: http://www.mangerbouger.fr/bien-manger/les-9-reperes-pour-vous-aider/viande-poisson-ou-oeufs-1-a-2-fois-par-jour.html